Wednesday, October 5, 2016

SPIRITUAL EXPLORATIONS – 282

This is the
daily exploration for Saturday, October 8, 2016.

WE ARE
EXPLORING THE PRACTICE OF HEAVENLINESS

+ This is a post on the style of The Way of Relationships
as we continue to explore Heavenliness through the lens of the 12 styles of the Mandala
process created by Edward Bastian. There is 1 more Mandala style to explore
after this one: Wisdom. After that, we move on to the 9 Attributes of Heaven.

+ All human beings
are alone. No other person will completely feel like we do, think like we do,
act like we do. Each of us is unique, and our aloneness is the other side of
our uniqueness. The question is whether we let our aloneness become loneliness
or whether we allow it to lead us into solitude. Loneliness is painful;
solitude is peaceful. Loneliness makes us cling to others in desperation;
solitude allows us to respect others in their uniqueness and create community.

Letting our aloneness grow into solitude and
not into loneliness is a lifelong struggle. It requires conscious choices about
whom to be with, what to study, how to pray, and when to ask for counsel. But
wise choices will help us to find the solitude where our hearts can grow in
love.

-- Henri Nouwen in The
Dance of Life

+ Many of us cherish the spiritual guidance of Henri
Nouwen. We have met him before in this
exploration: SE29,
SE107,
SE113,
SE120
& SE
126. He is perhaps most famous for coining the term “wounded healer.” The idea is that we can’t really make a
difference in the life of another unless we enter into their reality and even
experience at least some of the pain another is feeling. It takes courage to do this and it takes the
strength we gain from our deep spiritual encounters with ultimate reality. I believe solitude is essential for that
to happen but it can’t end there. We
need to be involved. We need to connect
with others. We need to deeply respect
others and “create community.” Our planet desperately needs this to happen one
relationship at a time.

+ I would love it if you offered a guest post on this practice or
any practice. And, I have work to do on myHeavenliness page. Maybe you can help. Send an email with the subject
“Heavenliness” or “Love” or “Guest Post” toJohn@abundancetrek.com.